It is often read, but the golden fruit palm or areca palm is not poisonous. You can therefore grow them indoors or outside on the terrace if children and pets such as cats are part of the family.
Is the golden fruit palm poisonous?
The golden fruit palm (Dypsis lutescens) is not poisonous and poses no danger to children or pets such as cats. You can therefore plant it in the house or on the terrace without hesitation.
Gold fruit palms are not poisonous
Since the golden fruit palm contains no toxins, it is one of the houseplants that you can grow safely. The palm tree poses no risk of poisoning to children or pets.
However, you should be absolutely sure that the palm tree you are caring for is indeed a golden fruit palm (Dypsis lutescens). There are some quite poisonous palm species that look very similar to the Areca palm.
If you are not sure which type of palm tree you are caring for, you should exercise caution if children and pets live in the apartment. Place such palm trees in a place where they are inaccessible to children and animals. Also remember that the pots become quite heavy and can cause injuries if they tip over.
Take away plant residues straight away
Even if the Areca palm is not poisonous, you should not leave fallen leaves or cut shoots lying around. Otherwise, crawling small children and curious pets could put the plant parts in their mouths and choke on them.
The leaf tips are often quite pointed and sharp. Therefore, position the golden fruit palm so that no one can injure themselves on the sharp fronds.
Tip
Cat lovers don't have to worry that their four-legged friends will get poisoned by the golden fruit palm. Nevertheless, the Areca palm should be protected from cats. The eaten fronds don't look nice and quickly turn brown.